Did the images seem designed to entertain or to warn? What's the impact of media violence on kids? Just recognize that the film has an agenda beyond simply "saving kids." Show moreįamilies can talk about Sound of Freedom's violence. There's valuable information to be gained from Sound of Freedom about how traffickers operate (although some experts question the tone and accuracy of the depiction), and the sting in Cartagena is a stand-up-and-cheer victory for good over evil. But this movie plays like a piece of propaganda aimed at guilt-tripping audiences into donating money to a foundation that, among other things, has been accused of having connections with conspiracy theorists. Bringing attention to the realities of child trafficking is, of course, extremely important - as is the need to prevent it. In real life, Ballard has received criticism for self-mythologizing and raising millions of dollars from those who are eager to write a check in the hopes of rescuing children. And while the movie's cinematography and acting are solid, the way the trafficked children are depicted is designed to exploit viewers' emotions, and the end credits explain why: To continue the Operation Underground Railroad (O.U.R.) mission, the organization needs people to spread the word. The events (and the hero) of Sound of Freedom might be better digested if they were fiction, partly due to the story's heavy themes, but also because some of the set pieces are somewhat unbelievable - like when Ballard singlehandedly takes down a highly protected drug lord. What's vital isn't always cinematic, and learning about the horrors of humanity - even in the most heroic and epic takedowns - may be better read than watched, especially when it comes to teens. To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails. Before donating, we recommend that parents do their own research using credible sources on Ballard and his organization, which has been linked to various conspiracy theorists. There's a plea in the closing credits to donate to O.U.R. Characters drink and smoke throughout and occasionally swear ("a-hole," "s-t"). A physical fight involves punches and a deadly stabbing. Ballard makes a point of not carrying a gun himself and demonstrates integrity, compassion, empathy, perseverance, and immense self-control as he risks his life to rescue the children. Drug cartel enforcers carry big guns and shoot automatic weapons. Visuals include very young trafficked children sitting or lying on a bed as a man unbuckles his pants, combined with verbal references to children being raped. Small children are shown being abducted from loving parents, locked up, manipulated, and sexually exploited. Expect scenes that are very hard to watch. It details what led former government agent Tim Ballard ( Jim Caviezel) to create the controversial real-life organization Operation Underground Railroad (O.U.R.), whose mission is finding and freeing trafficked children. Parents need to know that Sound of Freedom is a partially crowdfunded action drama with faith-based elements and heavy themes related to child trafficking and sexual abuse.
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